Joe Jackson scored a game-high 23 points as Memphis struggled to defeat visiting Texas A&M-CC 68-63 on Monday.

Will Coleman had 15 points and Charles Carmouche scored 12 for the No. 17 Tigers (9-1), who equaled their second-best start in the last 20 years.

The Islanders led 29-28 at halftime, and 45-43 with 8:24 remaining.

Memphis, which made 21 of 27 free throws, is without leading scorer Wesley Witherspoon, who is expected to miss five weeks after knee surgery, and D.J. Stephens, who missed his second game with a groin injury.

Guard Hollis Hill provided a team-high 16 points off the bench for the Islanders (4-7), who were picked to finish fourth in the Southland Conference.